Teddy Osei, the celebrated Ghanaian musician and co-founder of the iconic band Osibisa, has passed away at the age of 88. His death was confirmed on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, by Bessa Simons, President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), who described it as the loss of one of Ghana’s most influential musical figures.

Osei, known for his fusion of Afrobeat, highlife, and rock, co-founded Osibisa in 1969. The band went on to achieve international recognition, becoming one of the first African groups to break into the global music scene.

Born in December 1937 in Kumasi, Osei’s musical journey began in his youth. He first took up the saxophone during his college years in Sekondi, stepping in for a saxophonist who had missed practice. He taught himself to play by listening to jazz records, developing a distinctive style that would influence his future work.

After briefly working as a building inspector, Osei formed his first band, The Comets. He later moved to London in 1962 on a government scholarship to study music and drama, though political changes in Ghana forced him to leave the program after three years.

Teddy Osei’s legacy as a pioneering figure in global music remains undeniable, with Osibisa’s groundbreaking sound continuing to inspire musicians worldwide.

Source:TheDotNews